I commend O'Hehir for his piece -- it was a lovely way to talk about Didion, and I don't think he could have written it without a keen insight into (not to mention admiration for) her work and character. I think that rather than indulging in narcissism, O'Hehir manages to write a serious piece, while yielding insights into his own experience along the way. Not unlike what Joan Didion is famous for.

I wish to thank Andrew O'Hehir for his brilliant, moving,and even humourous review. This is my first time writing such a letter--ever--but both my long-held appreciation for Didion and her work and my gratitude for such an eloquent acknowledgment of it on your Salon pages have inspired me to send a note of thanks. As a Canadian reader living far from NY or LA, it has always struck me as extraordinary that Didion's work, so grounded in American history and culture, reached so deeply into my own experience. O'Hehir nails it, though, by emphasizing her links to modernity, and the wider experience of the twentieth century "world" we all (and I guess I have to say we all know what we mean by "all") share. In canada I routinely teach Didion's essays in my university literature classes. My students get her. I will now use parts of the review of The Long Goodbye to enhance our discussion.

It is a credit to Salon that such a terrific piece appears on your pages. The pleasure is all ours.

I just wanted to praise(although the word seems small)Mr.O'Hehir on a beautifully written review. Just wonderfull and eloquent. I can't hold myself back from buying this book. I have personally never read any of Ms. Didion's work and you've produced an emptiness and shame for never taking the time to do so.Thank you, wonderful, wonderful.

This letter is for Mr.O'Hehir. You don't have to publish.